New Public Transport Law: Project Envisages Changes

The Ministry of Transport and Communications has proposed a draft of a new Public Transport Act for public discussion, the ministry's press center announced. The initiative envisages the creation of a comprehensive legal framework to regulate the planning, management, commissioning, financing, digitalization, and control of public transport in the country. The goal is to introduce a European model of a unified transport system that offers convenient connections between all modes of transport.

According to the information distributed by the ministry, the draft envisages the creation of a National Transport Scheme. This scheme will play a key role in coordinating the schedules of different types of transport, with the main goal of minimizing waiting times for passengers. The ministry clarifies that the scheme will be regularly updated, guaranteeing at least three transport connections per day for each settlement in the country.

The bill also provides for the introduction of a National Access Point – an electronic system that will serve to provide up-to-date information on schedules, routes, and transport connections. Carriers and operators will be obliged to provide their data free of charge and on time.

In addition, the ministry's press center adds that the introduction of an Intelligent Public Transport Management System is also planned. This system will combine the National Transport Model and the National System for a Unified Travel Document. Through it, the state and municipalities will have up-to-date information in real time, monitor the implementation of contracts, and calculate subsidies and compensations. All institutions that have public transport contracts will be obliged to submit data within seven days.

The National Transport Model, according to the proposed changes, will play an important role in measuring transport supply and forecasting demand. This will support the development of short-term and long-term scenarios for the development of the transport network.

The ministry's plans also include the creation of a National System for a Unified Travel Document. This will be an electronic ticket that will be valid for different types of transport within a single journey. Passengers will have the opportunity to purchase combined tickets for train, bus, plane or water transport, and the transaction will be made only once. The system will also include a clearing system that will ensure transparent distribution of revenues between operators.

The proposed bill also includes other measures, such as mechanisms for cooperation between municipalities, expansion of inter-municipal transport schemes, the possibility of on-demand transport in small settlements, and transparent rules for access to bus stations and bus stops.

Deputy Prime Minister Grozdan Karadjov emphasized that "Public transport is key to the development of the regions, for access to education, healthcare and work. With this law, we are laying the foundation for a more just and sustainable transport system, which aims to provide transport to every settlement".